Favorite Wears: Custom Tote to go with EVERYTHING!

A month ago I had the pleasure of meeting another Kansas City creative who set out to do what he loves: hand creations starting with utility totes for both men and women.  Mike of Burgundy Circus Hardgoods is all about unique and top-notch quality pieces and he worked with me to create a custom tote that just screams me.  It is such a beautiful neutral color that I can carry with everything and then on the inside, it is a pop of one of my all time favorite patterns for fall and winter... see below to see it!  You'll know what I mean. :)
There is some mad talent right here in Kansas City.
{Outfit Details: Blouse - oldie from H&M (similar); Vest; Jeans - c/o; Tote - c/o; Sunnies - c/o; Lips; Bracelet; Booties; Coat - last year Old Navy (currently their coats are 50% off!)}

{^^peek at the interior lining - buffalo check! I couldn't love it more!}

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Favorite Wears: Styling Athletic Wear

We can't deny that athletic wear is a definitely a trend right now (and what a great one at that), from sneakers, to ball caps, to varsity jackets (I have it and love it all).  But I decided to style my new Athleta real workout wear (and not just inspired) pieces for a day of running errands, meeting a friend for lunch and working on the go. It proved to be both comfortable and stylish for a casual day, plus, I can really work out in these items, so that's a win.

I first fell in love with Athleta because of these pants.  And now I'm pretty much addicted to their work out and lifestyle clothing. So much so, that I've partnered up with my Kansas City store to throw you all a shopping event that can't be missed (hello discount, good cause and lot of fun twists and surprises...) - you can find out about it all right here (and make sure to RSVP so you will get your discount card).  You will see me there... in a similar version to this outfit right here.
{Outfit details: Faux-Leather Vest; Grey Quilted Pull-Over c/o; Stripe Leggings c/o; Booties; Earrings c/o; Lips}

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Neutral Colored Patterns

{Top - Old Navy; Skirt - Simply Vera for Kohl's; Bag - Old Navy; Shoes - ASOS}

Thinking these bold patterns work with the toned down color pallet and the transcending white from piece to piece.  Some might argue that both my patterns are too big - usually you'd pair a big print with small print, but I was feeling this look.

I took this look to KU with me, where I spoke to a large Journalism class.  It was fun to be on campus - especially on such a beautiful day.  We even took our work to lunch at La Parrilla with us - and it was amazing.  Oh how I love Mass. St.

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Leopard for Days

{Leopard Sweater Dress - Old Navy (similar); Leggings - Vera Wang for Kohls; Booties - Kate Spade; Clutch - ASOS; Bracelet - Loft; Necklace - BaubleBar}

I wear splashes of leopard a lot these days {a la here, and here, and here...ok, I'll stop, but I could go on} so I thought I'd go all out leopard.  Full on.

Did you have a good weekend?  Mine was filled lots of baby cuddles.  Liam is finding it more comfortable to sleep in my arms than in his cradle these days... I love cuddling with him, but problem is, I can't sleep holding him.  I mean, I probably could these sleep deprived days, but it's not safe, right?

Speaking of... Liam is 2 months today.  Time is flying.

For his 2 month bday, will you please please give his mama/this blog a vote for the Circle of Moms Top 25 Fashion & Beauty Mom Blogs??  It is really quick, just head here, scroll down to find Chasing Davies and click thumbs up yo vote!  You can do so daily and I would really appreciate it!

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Shopping Online? Save more $ by using Ebates!

Indian Summer

Fall came for about a week in September.  Then the temps spiked back to the 80s and has been holding steady.  I already switched my closet out for Fall, so it's Fall-wear still for me.  However, layers are key.  It's been cool at nights and in the mornings and by afternoon I've stripped off my jacket and rolled up my sleeves.

What are you wearing this Indian Summer Fall to stay warm and then cool?

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{J.Crew Blazer (similar), Old Navy Plaid Shirt, Simply Vera for Kohl's Floral Skirt, Target Wedges, 25 by Design Rosette Necklace}

Don't forget to enter my current giveaway for this awesome necklace, going on now until 10/21!

PLUS a really great discount for you to use off everything in Lemon Sweet by Leslie's Etsy shop.  She has lots of good stuff you won't want to miss...and remember, now's a good time to start thinking ahead for holidays...

Go here for giveaway and 20% off code!

Plaid & Stripes {and a winner}

I'm becoming super obsessed with plaid.  It's such a Fall like print, so maybe that's why, since I love Fall so much?  I've dabbled with mixing it with polka dots (here) and now, stripes.

I'm also wearing a pre-preggo dress as a shirt since I can't get it buttoned all the way down any more. It's a lot shorter having to go over a big ol' bump - it's more a tunic shirt than a dress these days.  Thank goodness for leggings.

I'm trying to wear my "normal" clothing as long as possible, because I'm pretty sure I'll be wearing straight up moo-moos the last month at this growth rate.  We'll find out.

{Stripe top - J.Crew, Plaid shirt dress/tunic - Old Navy, Leggins - Simply Vera at Kohl's, Flats -Nine West, Elephant necklace - Forever 21, Bag - Theit, Bracelet - Loft}

Now for the real important part... The winner of the GS Lillian Cuff is... Drum roll, please...

Congrats to Sarah O.!

And the good news - stick around, because ANOTHER GIVEAWAY is coming this afternoon.
You won't want to miss it!

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Poncho.

{Poncho - Forever21, Stripe long sleeve tee - J.Crew Outlet, Leggings - Simply Vera for Kohl's, Belt - Target, Oxford flats - Nine West, Satchel bag - H&M, Bracelets - both Forever21 - Gold Studded one & Coral one, Necklace - c/o Shlomit Ofir}

I'm on a poncho kick.  I want more, lots more... in all different patterns, colors, longer and cozier.  This one is a great start of Fall poncho - and cheap, too, from Forever21.  Are you craving ponchos for Fall/Winter, too??  

On another note, check out my necklace!  From the lovely shop that brought you the last giveaway, Shlomit Ofir also sent me this Formica Divided Half Moon Necklace.  It's very unique, like most of their jewelry and I love it!  Another necklace I'm drooling over from their shop... Multiple Rectangle Necklace (how great it'd be for layering with other gold necklaces, too).  They really have beautiful pieces.

So now the winner of the Shlomit Ofir bracelet?  The winner of this beautiful bracelet....

Congrats to Jenni!

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I Told You I Like Blue

Consider yourself warned back in this post.  I love blue.  So instead of mixing colors today - I went for all blue with a bit of pattern.  What I probably haven't mentioned before, though you probably figured out from the wrinkles on this skirt: I hate ironing.  So much so I don't do it. Ever. Actually we didn't even own an iron until about a year ago when Husband decided we needed one just in case. It's still in the box, never been opened, somewhere in the basement.

{Gingham Button-Down - J.Crew Outlet, Blue Skirt - Talbots, last worn here & first here), Necklace - J.Crew oldie, Black Bow Heels - Simply Vera via Kohl's and Bag - Theit}

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Christmas Gifts Galore, Part 4 {Keeping Warm}

I forgot to finish up my Gift Galore Special.  Last one, as Christmas & the Holidays are SO over.  When it's over, it's over, ya know?  You can see the first parts here:

Part 1 - For My Kitchen
Part 2 - Glitz & Bling
Part 3 - Bust a Move

I got some very warm and cuddly things for Xmas, that is certainly coming in hand now that we have SEVEN inches of snow on the ground...and they are so cute, I have to share!!!

Two lovely scarves - One from my sister and one from my mama:

Sparkle lavender scarf from Express {similar with some sparkle here} and
Teal Ruffle Scarf {similar here in other colors}

Ear/head warmer, an embellished with a flower and adorably chic from Anthro (check your local store) - from my sister:

Another floral wool option via Anthro here.

And one super comfy, and warm, yet not bulky sweater top by LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's that'd I'd been wanting so bad from my mom!

Worn just earlier this week wit my orange skirt!

{similar top here}

Orange you glad to see my outfit?

haha, omg, lame.  Sorry, late night sleeping in the living room (whilst home remodeling ensues in the entire upstairs...more on that to come).  Anyways - I haven't worn this orange crinkle silk skirt from J.Crew too much, and it was staring at me in my closet begging to be worn!  So I added some colors from the purple family to it to make this very Fall looking outfit:

Even wore my fuchsia jacket and light lavender scarf to keep the colors all purpley - sick of purple tones yet?

 I sprayed practically a whole bottle of static guard on my bum and tights before leaving to keep this silky skirt from clinging to my tights in this cold weather.  Did the trick, but now I need more Static Guard.

I really liked this outfit. Felt pretty bold with all the colors, but not too bright or crazy.

Outfit Deets:

Skirt - J.Crew

Top - Lauren Conrad via Kohl's (Gift)

Belt - Loft

Tights - Merona via Target

Shoes - Audrey Brooks via DSW

Jacket - Tulle

Scarf - Express (Gift)

I just realized by typing about these two gifts, that I forgot to share my last Xmas Gift round up!  I'll get that out sometime this week. :)

And did you watch the Bachelor last night?  Lisa M. made it through again, and while not on camera as much as the girls in the thick of the drama, she looked fab, and some other fun fashion finds & looks here.

Visions of Pink (& a J.Crew Casualty)

Pulling on my favorite stripe t-shirt from J.Crew, I cringed to find a big rip in the arm!  Horrified!  J.Crew should not rip - not one of my very favorite, go-to pieces...

Jenna wears her stripe shirt ALL the time, just like me - has her's come undone?

 

Well, I was able to cover up the rip with my hot pink (J.Crew via Ebay) cardi:

I mixed the hot pink and a plum/maroon skirt, for a very berry (ha - I couldn't resist) look.  I love these colors together!

 

I was bare legged w/o tights b/c it was 68 degrees in DECEMBER!

 Outfit Deets:

Cardi - J.Crew via Ebay

Stripe T - J.Crew

Skirt - Gap

Heels - Simply Vera via Kohl's